Wednesday in the Champions League we saw that substitutes can make all the difference. RB Salzburg marked their first ever appearance in the round of 16 in a big way in a 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich and Liverpool got a big away victory against Inter Milan in a match that they struggled for large portions of.
Salzburg were tagged as one of the weakest teams in the knockouts but they showed that they can't be underestimated. Most teams would've struggled after losing a starting forward only 12 minutes into the match but Salzburg replaced Noah Okafor with Chukwubuike Adamu and kept rolling. Their press caused Bayern fits and led to a quick counter where American Brenden Aaronson settled the ball and Adamu did the rest.
The first time finish from range, the celebration, it was pure perfection that Adamu and Salzburg won't forget. They created more pressure as the half went on Bayern really struggled to keep up or get the ball to Robert Lewandowski but the longer that the game stayed at 1-0, the more likely it was for the Bavarians to get something from the match.
Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman had all the space they wanted on the wings to make things happen but were unable to beat keeper Philipp Kohn who had a great game. But deep into stoppage time, all it took was one chance, and Thomas Muller found Coman with his head and the match was level.
While it will be disappointing to draw instead of win, competing with Bayern in any competition is something to be proud of and RB Salzburg did that and more.
In another sub changing the game moment, it was Robert Firmino that put Liverpool ahead in the second half after replacing Diogo Jota at halftime. Inter Milan had the best chance of the first half when Hakan Calhanoglu rattled the bar with a powerful strike but it wasn't enough. Sadio Mane had a few chances of his own but not enough to get a breakthrough.
Andrew Robertson's corner was good but Firmino's header was better. Liverpool got another late via Mohamed Salah when a bouncing ball in the box found his feet for the finish. Inter will be up against it as they were held to nine shots and only a 0.46 xG in the loss. While away goals don't give Liverpool any added advantage, overcoming a 2-0 deficit at Anfield is quite a task.
Denzel Dumfries, Inter: The exiting right back wasn't able to get the job done today. Venturing upfield, Dumfries only created one chance and was wasteful with his passing completing only 61 percent of them. Only crossing the ball three times and not attempting an official take on, he let the game pass him by when Inter needed a driving force to balance out Ivan Perisic on the
left. Rating: 4
Andrew Robertson, Liverpool: In direct opposition of Dumfries today, every dead ball delivery from Robertson was dangerous. He created three chances from six crosses (five from dead ball situations), including his assist to Robert Firmino. Stout on the defensive end, he didn't lose a header and also completed nine recoveries. One of the best all around performers for Liverpool today. Rating: 9
The Salzburg defensive midfield: A combined 27 recoveries for Nicolas Capaldo and Mohamed Camara are a large reason why Bayern had so much trouble breaking them down. Also completing six take ons and 12 passes in the final third shows the dynamism of the Salzburg style. End to end stuff in a special performance. Rating: 9
Brenden Aaronson, RB Salzburg: While watchers of the United States Men's national team know to expect this, the world got to see the best of Aaronson on full display. He created five of Salzburg's seven total chances, had 10 passes in the final third and 5 take ons in an impressive all-around match. The engine of Salzburg kept chugging all match to good effect. Rating: 8
Robert Lewandowski, Bayern: It's not often that Lewandowski goes quiet but Bayern took 22 shots and he had zero of them. I'll repeat that because I didn't believe it either. Lewandowski had zero shots in a match that Bayern took 22 as a team. With only 31 touches during the match, he was effectively marked out of the game. For Bayern to move on to the final eight, that can't happen in the second leg. Rating: 4
For the third game in a row, Bayern played an effective pressing side and struggled. RB Leipzig exposed the weakness in a match that Bayern won 3-2 but with major problems where they were only saved by a Leipzig own goal. Bayern were then embarrassed in a 4-2 loss to VFL Bochum during which they allowed all four goals in the first half. Then Salzburg hit them with an early goal before pressing for the remaining 85 minutes.
Better finishing would've seen Salzburg win this match but needing to play formations with almost no midfield to accommodate Bayern's high power attack are coming back to bite them. These are also moments where Alphonso Davies would help the side if he was able to play. It's something that Julian Nagelsmann will need to look at before it causes issues in future matches.
Bayern Munich vs. RB Salzburg: Bayern will still be favorites in the second leg but will have to ensure that they don't underestimate Salzburg as they will be buzzing heading into this match. Their work rate doesn't drop over 90 minutes so more mistakes will be punished. There's no timetable on a return for Davies but with more time to recover, Nagelsmann can hope that he'll get a key press breaker back at his disposal.
Liverpool vs. Inter Milan: Travelling to Anfield down 2-0, Inter can almost pack it in. A two-goal deficit can be overcome especially since Nicolo Barella will be back in midfield but Liverpool are almost unbeatable at home. An early goal by Liverpool in the second leg and Inter may start withdrawing starters to rest for their Scudetto challenge.
It took a while but Kingsley Coman wasn't marked. When Muller won a header in the box, he found the open man slotting it home. Four minutes of stoppage time remaining for them to look for a second.
Who else but Salah as a loose ball in the box finds his feet before he sends it home. It needed a deflection but they all count the same as when you're in form, shots fall your way.
20 shots, eight on target, zero goals. This could be a landmark victory for Salzburg.
It took a goal line clearance to keep them out but Brenden Aaronson is a large reason behind the current lead.
Roberto Firmino gets the opener via a header. A deft flick in the 75th minute puts the Reds ahead.
Serge Gnabry leaves for Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to shift the tide.
Adeyemi got a shot off but Salzburg were unable to make the corner count. Bayern thought they had an opener as Kingsley Coman's shot sent Philipp Kohn on a scramble but he was able to recover keeping the advantage.
The performance hasn't improved as their 15 shots have been from bad positions and as the game grows, Salzburg are more comfortable defending their own net. Will Bayern get an equalizer?
Jordan Henderson enters for Fabinho, Naby Keita enters for Harvey Elliott and Luis Diaz comes in for Sadio Mane. It's a wholesale shift as they look to break the match open.
It's Roberto Firmino on for Diogo Jota as the Reds need a more fluid attack in the second half.
The second half is starting how the first ended with Salzburg getting dangerous chances on the break. One more pass by Seiwald and this match could be 2-0 so Baryen should consider themselves lucky.
Liverpool has the shot advantage but everything else is pretty equal so far. Liverpool are mainly attacking on the right hand side while Inter leans left until they progress the ball through the middle of the pitch. Things are poised for a good finish.
Losing their starting forward hasn't stopped Salzburg from taking the early advantage as Adamu got the opener with quite the finish. Bayern will want to wake up in the second half as they haven't coped with the press early on.
The Salzburg midfielder assisted their opener.
11 shots for both teams all off target as Inter and Liverpool are trading journies up the field. Neither team can take control as Calhanoglu's post shot is still the best chance of the half.
Equaling Bayern for shots and shots on target, the press from Salzburg is causing fits. Lewandowski is barely playing as he has touched the ball 13 times and Benjamin Pavard has been particularly wasteful passing as Bayern tries to up their tempo.
It looked like Bayern would finally have their opener but it seems like they're feeling the pressure as Sane can't place his shot on target. They then turned the ball over again as Salzburg's press is causing fits.
Ringing the crossbar in the 16th minute Calhanoglu thought he scored Inter's opener.
Adamu has shocked Bayern as Salzburg enters the Champions League last 16 in style. A great first time finish as Salzburg's counter didn't give Bayern time to think. He's only been on the pitch for eight minutes after replacing Noah Okafor.
Liverpool have the edge in possession early on and also have four shots for a combined xG of .51 to show the chances that they're getting off. Sadio Mane has the best chance of the opening minutes but there hasn't been anything that Inter can't handle early on as they're built to beat teams on the counter attack. Mohamed Salah has only touched the ball six times so far but I'd expect that to change sooner than later.
Leroy Sane has already beaten the Salzburg defense once for a ball over the top as Bayern are a team more than talented enough to string together quick passes to beat Salzburg's quick movement. As they get more comfortable the goals will come.
Noah Okafor has to leave the pitch due to what seems like a hamstring strain. He'll be replaced by Junior Adamu in the lineup.
There's a good chance for Bayern as Gnabry switches feet before ripping a dangerous shot off. Philipp Kohn pulls out a good save but Salzburg will need to stay aware of the Bayern attackers.
Bayern likely expected to be ahead already but Salzburg have already gotten off three shots. While they've been from distance, all they need is one to hit the back of the net in order to cause some chaos. Even possession isn't too far off in the early going.
Liverpool had a midfield breakdown giving Lautaro Martinez a chance from distance. He shoots his chance wide but it's a warning sign for the Liverpool defense to tighten up.
Bayern look shaky in possession as Adeyemi forced a turnover leading to a shot off target. They'll have to keep their press up all game to contain Bayern but it's a method to look for a goal today.
Not a regular for Liverpool yet, Elliott is getting chances to earn his place on the big stage.
